With the growing cannabis industry extending its reach throughout the country, many marketers are venturing into this new frontier with questions about how to best make a direct impact. In a field this new, which saw revenues of nearly $7 billion in 2016, there are no established rules to guide you (even though there are laws — but we’ll get to that in a moment).
How could you advertise your cannabis products for fulfillment? Here are a few strategies which will expand your appeal and position you as being a successful pioneer within this yet-uncharted territory.
Think “sophisticated” rather than “stoner” – The period from the stoner stereotype are behind us, so leave the smiley faces, 420, and Rasta flags out. Today, cannabis brands are trying to find to widen their attract a broad selection of consumers, not just giggling hippies. Take Leafs by Snoop, the cannabis line which is owned and promoted by rapper Snoop Dogg. Leafs has a clean, classy appeal seems like it can be sold at any luxury boutique or spa; it would fit in a gift basket alongside fine soaps, candies, or perfumes. Think of it in this way: you would like your cannabis brand with an aesthetic that will look right on a shelf at Whole-foods instead of behind the counter at the 7-Eleven.
Elevate the language – A part of escaping the previous stoner trope involves lending cannabis distribution plan a much more refined lexicon. That’s why we’re calling it the “cannabis” industry rather than the “pot” or, even, the “marijuana” industry. Use language that pushes your product or service in to a more refined space. “Buds” become “flowers.” “Hits” are actually “doses.” And so on. Ignore the slang, and talk to a higher conversation.
Hit on the health factors – The current consumer is more concerned with health than in the past. She eats organic, practices yoga, and it has stop smoking. He traded coffee for tea, grows his own food, and works with a fitness app to follow his workouts. Bring this thinking to cannabis. Besides it fit naturally into this lifestyle, but we’re learning increasingly more about hnpzjr health and fitness benefits of cannabis all the time. Leverage this, and let people realize that your cannabis item is an integral part of any health routine.
Join the conversation and also the community – Cannabis is over a product — it’s a movement. Whether we’re speaking about medicinal applications, legalities, or simply the enjoyment value, remember that there exists a larger culture around your products or services. Your brand must be a driving force because culture. That means joining the conversation and having involved. Create a blog which offers the latest industry news. Participate in industry events and expos. Support relevant causes. Create your company synonymous with the cannabis community.
Understand the law, and stick to it – Different states and localities have widely varying laws pertaining to cannabis marketing. Become knowledgeable and stick to the rules lest you end up facing penalties that can span fines to losing your small business license, or worse.
Innovate – With regards to the cannabis industry, there is absolutely no beaten path, meaning this is a space which is rife with chance for innovation. Not only that, but cannabis consumers tend to be somewhat more open-minded, creatively inspired folks. Have some fun. Don’t think you need to do what everybody else is doing. Take risks. Experiment to make mistakes. In the long run, it’s important to understand that you’re on the forefront of your entirely new industry, which you’re positioned to set trends as opposed to follow them. So think different. Think new. Think forward. In the end, isn’t that sort of the items cannabis is about in the first place?